Flydubai flight pilot arrested after in-flight attack

On September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying 174 passengers, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a violent incident in the cockpit. The co-pilot, identified by Israeli authorities as an Omani national, reportedly stabbed the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. The plane experienced a rapid, dangerous descent of over 17,000 feet, which passengers initially mistook for turbulence.

Disaster was averted when the wounded captain, despite severe injuries, managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers, including a Georgian dentist named Shota Musaev, rushed to the front, restrained the attacker, and helped a backup crew regain control of the aircraft to ensure a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. The attacker is currently in custody, and Saudi authorities are leading an investigation into the incident.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the event as a severe security incident, stating that the suspect had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. While authorities are examining potential links to Iran or external accomplices, initial assessments suggest the suspect may have acted alone. The captain is receiving treatment for his wounds, and the passengers were later transferred to Israel via a replacement flight.